Hoapili Trail

I’m certainly a fan of the beautiful vistas and beach towards the end of this trail. But I did not enjoy the lava rock part of the journey. It is certainly as described in other reviews.
We read reviews before setting out. We live in Kihei and wanted to go on a trail on this part of the island. So we set off on a Sunday afternoon around 1:30pm. It was hot, but not miserable — only because it got very cloudy. The bummer about the clouds is the lack of light dulls out the ocean so it wasn’t as pretty as when we started.
I agree with the others to wear sturdy shoes. Hiking boots would actually be great because of the unstable footing on the lava portion. You certainly don’t want your toes exposed.
I do agree to take a snack and water, especially if you plan to go to the beach at the end. We each took a liter bottle then left two more liters in our car to have when we returned. Just remember whatever you take, you’ll have to carry a good long ways. Please remember to pack your trash out as there are no facilities.
If you’re only on Maui for a week to 10 days, this would not be at the top of my suggestions. This is pretty, but I feel like there are other hikes far more rewarding. And not nearly as rough on your knees/​ankles. Now if you’re out here for 3 – 4 weeks then go check it out.

So this is definitely a hike. Like not just your average run-​of-​the-​mill hike. This is, for all intents and purposes, the hike into hell. So get ready to sweat. Now granted, once you pass through the endless lava fields, the scorching sun drenched rocky paths, the treacherous coastlines and kiawe tree-​lined stretches of haunted beach forest… well, then the fun begins. Because then, provided you’ve already passed the goat bone ritual sacrifices (I’m not kidding) and the broken down fence that begins your journey onto the King’s Highway, you’ve got three miles of unending lava fields to contend with — complete with a 360 degree vista view of, well, nothing but lunar landscape. I joked with my dad that this was my version of hell. The whole thing is rather disturbing, in a beautiful awful sort of way.
Of course, once you’re able to finish the 3 mile hike to Kanaoi Beach, then you’ve found a real hidden treasure. Only three other brave folks were there, sitting on an old wooden swing, smoking a joint, enjoying a magnificent pebble beach complete with an obstructed view of the pacific ocean. If you, like I did, walk a bit further down the coastline, past the ancient Hawaiian settlements and the century plants, you’ll find yourself an actual rubbish beach — complete with washed up coral, massive and intact conch shells, two dead and bloated pufferfish, huge cowries and plenty of shipwrecked beach trash. All in all, if shells or interesting beach trash is your game, the hike through hell is worth it. A word of advice — bring at last 4 bottles of water per person. Perhaps food. A flare gun. And, at the very least, hiking boots (or strong Tevas with socks). And lastly, make sure people know where you’ve gone off to. Once you’ve ventured several miles into the lava fields, there’s no cell service, no roads and frankly, no turning back.

Hoapili is a long, hot trek through lava fields by the ocean. Please bring plenty of water and food. Wear sturdy shoes (hiking ones preferably). Pay attention to signage to make sure you stay on the trail. I loved the expansive vistas of wide-​open sky above the lava fields. Beautiful rugged coastline. There are some very nice little overlooks and secluded beaches that you will encounter along the way. The path can be very difficult to walk on at parts, and there are some inclines and declines, climbing over uneven rock, so be very careful. Would not recommend to bring the kids. All in all, I loved the hike and would recommend for anyone who is in good physical condition.

The Hoapili Trail traverses the hot, dry, and barren southwest coast of Maui over a 200 year old lava flow, one of the last from Haleakala. The trail is part of an old Hawaiian trail system that once encircled Maui and allowed the royalty to travel from village to village. Because of the unrelenting sun and the difficult terrain, we recommend that you NOT attempt this hike if you have small children. Even older children may find it challenging. This is best done as a parents only hike. If you must bring your children, we recommend only hiking the first part of the trial that follows the coastline along the bay. There is still plenty to see! Stop when the trail turns inland towards the lava field and head back the way you came. If you do choose to hike the trail, hiking shoes are a must. You will also need to bring lots of water and snacks. There is no shade on the trail once you get into the lava field and the lava rocks seem to intensify the heat! The first part of the trail follows the coast to the east along La Perouse Bay. Be sure to watch for wild goats along this portion of the trial! Kiawe trees provide intermittent shade. Shortly after exiting the trees, the trail turns inland and the lava field looms ahead. The difficult part of crossing the lava field is not the distance or the elevation but the heat and the constantly unstable footing created by the lava rocks. After traversing the lava field, the trail quickly descends to a beautiful white and black pebble beach, called Kanaio Beach, with a very large kiawe tree providing blessed shade! Someone even thought to create a log swing which makes a great place to sit and enjoy the beach. The beach itself is usually deserted, however, there are some hearty locals who venture here from time to time to camp, so don’t be too disappointed if after all that work you find yourself sharing the beach. After checking out the beach and resting up a bit, head farther to the east along the coast a few hundred yards and check out the shore line and tide pools before heading back. There are no facilities along the trail. We recommend bringing a first aid kit with you, the lava rocks can be quite sharp and the terrain can cause blisters even if you are wearing the best of shoes! In addition to lots of water, bring a hat and sunscreen and don’t forget the camera!